4C Exhibition 2024 Q2 Dwelling
The changes in society, culture, and history witness the physical turmoil and carry the flow of the spirit.
Words by Yangyang Li
The connection between humans and the surrounding world is an eternal theme in artistic exploration. Interpreting the verse of the poet Hölderlin, "Full of merit, yet poetically, man dwells on this earth," Heidegger believes that "poetically dwelling" refers to a fundamental mode of existence, wherein the relationship between humans and the world is established through the forms of language, thought, and art. He posits that through poetry and art, people can reveal the essence of the world, thus achieving a harmonious coexistence with the world. From the dawn of modern society, people's living environments and internal mindsets have been continuously challenged and impacted. The changes in society, culture, and history witness the physical turmoil and carry the flow of the spirit. Whether it is because of the substantial space or the subjective imagination of the environment, our way of dwelling thus becomes meaningful.
The artists featured in 4C Gallery's 2023Q2 exhibition use various media, including painting, photography, video, and sculpture, to explore the relationship between humans and both natural and artificial environments from different perspectives within the context of globalization and changes in the natural world.
California, 2019
Lei Ye’s Californiascape employs the narrative technique of speculative fiction, predicting not only the future urban and ecological changes in California but also exploring the future relationship between humans and the environment. It emphasizes that harmonious coexistence with the world is fundamentally a resonance of consciousness and culture. By drawing inspiration from the desert landscapes in Dune and the techno-dystopian imagery of Blade Runner, Lei Ye’s work transcends mere visual presentation to become a thought experiment. This experiment deeply explores the potential of a high-tech authoritarian future through elements of science fiction. Moreover, these references reinforce the role of science fiction literature in redefining our understanding of the future of technology and the environment, revealing the ability of art to shape our perceptions of the world and our ways of dwelling.
Re- formation, Shadow Evolution, Mixed Media
Xiaodong Ma's photographic work Reformation: Shadow Evolution explores how humans visually perceive the surrounding world through the transformation between two-dimensional and three-dimensional spaces. This exploration is not only a physical spatial transformation but also a conceptual investigation, involving how we dwell in a world constructed by our cognition. By using the medium of photography to experiment with the conversion between two and three dimensions, the artist challenges the viewers' visual and psychological experiences, as well as the boundaries between the figurative and the abstract. This artistic approach prompts us to reconsider the concept of "dwelling"—not merely living in a physical space, but residing in a space defined by our perception. As everyday objects transition from three-dimensional to two-dimensional under the artist's intervention, their inherent attributes and meanings also change, demonstrating the power of visual perception in redefining and transforming our understanding of the physical world. Thus, Xiaodong Ma's photography becomes an intervention, an active presence, establishing new connections between us and our environment.
Zhuyu Shi's abstract series creates a unique visual and emotional "dwelling" space through the expression of vitality and inner emotions. Drawing from deep within, the artist uses natural colors and dynamic images to construct a series of "inner landscapes" that resonate with viewers. Each painting is an emotional force field, capturing the flow and changes of natural elements like wind and water through abstract techniques. The artist's use of color and form stems from a profound interest in Eastern mythology, deities, and traditional Chinese art, providing viewers with a space to explore and experience their innermost feelings. In this series, "dwelling" refers not only to the occupation of physical space but also to the manifestation of spiritual and emotional states. The dynamics on the canvas seem to narrate the fluidity and changeability of life, allowing viewers to find reflections and echoes of their own emotions within these flows and changes.
Excitement, Oil & Arcylic on canvas, 2022
Foam, Clay and Plastic, 5*6*12inches
Yutian Deng's multimedia sculpture Foam and her poem of the same title resonate with each other, deeply portraying the sense of life's emptiness experienced by modern individuals in the context of fast-paced consumption and development. This work uses both sculpture and poetry to create a contemplative space about modern "dwelling." In the sculpture, a female figure looks down at the ground beneath her feet, her face indistinct, making it hard to tell if the moisture on her face is steam from the wind or tears. This portrayal adds depth to the piece, eliciting strong emotional resonance and reflection from the viewers. The symbolic significance of foam is vividly and powerfully depicted in the sculpture. The transient and fragile nature of foam symbolizes the fleeting moments and experiences in modern life, which are difficult to capture and preserve in the fast-paced rhythm of daily existence. Foam not only represents the brevity of materiality but also hints at the fragility and superficiality of emotions and interpersonal relationships. Through this symbolism, Yutian Deng presents the modern individual's quest for meaning in life and the challenge of finding a spiritual dwelling place in a materialistic society. The imagery in the sculpture is complemented by the poem, whose language guides the audience towards deeper introspection. The words in the poem describe the fleeting nature of the material world while also reflecting the fluidity and change in the inner world. Foam is not just a visual artwork but a questioning and contemplation of lifestyle, providing modern individuals with a place for spiritual dwelling.
Huanjun Chen’s series of mineral pigment paintings explore the issues of dwelling of women in modern society. Through a unique perspective and reinterpretation of traditional materials, she delves into the narrative of women as spiritual travelers. Her paintings are not merely representations of female figures but profound dialogues about creation and destruction, guardianship and rebellion. Mineral pigments connect Huanjun Chen's artistic practice with the rich artistic traditions of East Asia, emphasizing the cultural depth and historical consciousness of her work. The use of mineral pigments reflects a respect for and continuation of traditional craftsmanship, while also providing a powerful medium to express the strength and presence of marginalized or forgotten women in history, poetry, and culture. Huanjun Chen's paintings, influenced by the styles of Thangka and Ukiyo-e, are not just displays of visual beauty but deep explorations of female vitality and spiritual dwelling.
The Rest, Mineral pigment on paper, 2022
Photography works, 37.01*51.18 inches
Zengyi Zhao's photographic works discuss the commodification of entertainment activities in contemporary society and how this commodification affects people's lifestyles and spatial perceptions. His works showcase a unique way of seeing, not only as a participant but also as a critic, examining and questioning the commodified social landscape and daily behaviors. By merging photographs of the same location taken at different times, Zengyi Zhao captures the artificiality within urban and natural landscapes. In his photography, natural and urban landscapes are transformed into objects of viewing, reflecting the logic of capitalist consumption, where everything can be viewed, consumed, and owned. Against this backdrop, Zengyi Zhao's works challenge traditional concepts of dwelling, questioning how people find their place in a world reshaped and dominated by capital.
Zihan Xu's series of works explore the theme of dwelling through the perspective of abandoned amusement parks, showcasing a unique psychological and social landscape. Amusement parks, as intersections of reality and fantasy, often carry childhood memories and disappointments of adulthood, symbolizing an unattainable utopia. Through seemingly innocent brushstrokes and colors, Zihan Xu explores the spiritual dilemmas and psychological crises in the real world, such as war, religion, and desire. This strongly contrasting expression reflects the sense of contradiction in modern society. This artistic approach aims to reveal the instability of dwelling in modern society, reflecting the displacement of modern individuals on both spatial and spiritual levels.
Peach Throne
The works exhibited in "Dwelling" encompass various artistic media, deeply exploring the modern individual's place within society and self-identity. The participating Chinese artists, through interpretations of "dwelling" on both physical and spiritual levels, challenge the boundaries between traditional and modern lifestyles, offering unique insights into the interaction between individuals and their environments. These works showcase the richness and multidimensionality of contemporary Chinese art, reflecting the artists' exploration of personal identity at the intersection of time and culture. 4C Gallery emphasizes the display of conceptual art, focusing on exploring social, psychological, and cultural issues through artistic creations. Through these works, 4C Gallery not only showcases the creativity and thoughts of the artists but also provides a platform for Chinese artists to present themselves and exchange ideas, committed to promoting and deepening artistic exploration and practice.
Our Art Panel
Di Tian’s 3D animated short film The Sighing Me revolves around the dwelling dilemmas and psychological state of the younger generation in contemporary Chinese society. The work focuses on the life experiences of a youth born in the 1990s, illustrating a broader concept of "dwelling" through his transition from city to countryside - not just as a physical place of residence, but as a sense of belonging and a search for identity. The protagonist's story reflects a generational dilemma: facing the gap between economic pressures and personal expectations, his life is filled with fatigue and disappointment. This pressure stems not only from the pursuit of economic security but also from a deeper search for life's meaning and purpose. The young man's disheartenment mirrors a broader social phenomenon where the rapid changes of modern life clash with traditional values, leading to a psychological crisis and uncertainty about the future among the younger generation.
The Sighing Me, 3D Animation, 2023, Stills 2